Another test for the Canucks tonight. I don't think as stiff as the Sharks or Ducks, as the Kings are currently sitting in 9th, but a test nonetheless.

I'm actually loving this new alignment for the league. Our division is so full of good rivalries. I know it helps to build rivalries when you have a top team that others use as a measuring stick, but this is great.

Flames and Oilers are rivals just because of long term history and fellow Canadian teams.

Kings, Sharks, and Ducks, are all becoming great rivalry games because of recent playoff history. I don't mind the Ducks, but the Kings and Sharks I just love to hate.

The Yotes are the odd team out. Who gives a shit about a hockey team from Phoenix that can't even get 8000 fans to a game on a long weekend.

But back to tonight. It's the Kings tonight. I'd love to light them up.

Every game is a fucking playoff game, can't believe with our record we are only 4 points from being out of a playoff spot. What a lopside, West vs East. If Dallas, Nashville and Los Angeles were in the East they'd be in a playoff spot. Los Angeles is the 9th placed team, this is a big game for them. I expect them to be on tonight.

"I just want to say one word to you. Just one word. Are you listening? - Plastics." - The Graduate

I don't put any stock in the hits stats this year. Ever since Torts said that he thinks a team that can take hits and keep playing and fight through to stay on the puck is tougher to play against than a team that flies out and hits everything that moves but doesn't really control the play. Look at our game against San Jose, the hits were pretty even, but I don't recall ever feeling like the Canucks were getting dominated physically.

The Leafs out-hit us 28-8. We beat them 4-0 and made them look like shit. I actually think that was a key difference in the game, Toronto has gone out and played a Carlyle brand of hockey this year, and in the East that has paid off in spades, but we just shrugged it off and soldiered on. They spent themselves and couldn't adjust when their gameplan wasn't having an effect on ours.

Meds wrote: ...The Leafs out-hit us 28-8. We beat them 4-0 and made them look like shit. I actually think that was a key difference in the game, Toronto has gone out and played a Carlyle brand of hockey this year, and in the East that has paid off in spades, but we just shrugged it off and soldiered on. They spent themselves and couldn't adjust when their gameplan wasn't having an effect on ours.

LA is big & fast, have played positionally sound, they lean on you, & have been tough to play against. Some of the reasons (along with J.Quick) they got the cup. The hitting shouldn't be as significant in a single game (as play off series), but it's something to watch out for.

TO has knuckle draggers, & likes to hit, but their big boys don't seem to be as fast as LA. TO also makes a lot of positional mistakes that leave their goalie out to dry. LA makes you earn it.

okcanuck wrote:Only a glass-half-empty guy like RD can only see us 4 pts ahead of 9th place. Dude we are only 3 pts behind 1st place. Should be a good game. 4-3 canucks in OT

Glass isn't half empty Mr. Positive Feel Good Vibes, merely pointing out how stacked the West is . The W.C. playoff race is going to go right down to the wire. It's not a long drop from first place to 9th place in the west my good friend. I don't expect that to change all season.

"I just want to say one word to you. Just one word. Are you listening? - Plastics." - The Graduate

okcanuck wrote:Only a glass-half-empty guy like RD can only see us 4 pts ahead of 9th place. Dude we are only 3 pts behind 1st place. Should be a good game. 4-3 canucks in OT

Dude is correct... LA is not in a playoff position but has 2 games in hand .. Makes for good rivalries and good hockey. There are very few soft teams in the west.. I expect another excellent game ( thanks for sending me links guys ) Great way to spand a sunday morning - enjoying this season immensely.. and very surprised how well the Canucks are playing .. forecast a tight game .. 3-2 Canucks..